Fire + Explosion
From on-site investigation to evidence examination and testing, we provide comprehensive fire investigation services supported by an in-depth knowledge of fire science. Our technical staff includes more fire protection engineers, fire scientists and fire investigators than any other firm of our size.
Fire Investigation Services Rooted in Science
Our approach has been proven over decades of experience, research and participation in building & fire code development, as well as the investigations of thousands of fires related to industrial, commercial, residential, heavy equipment, vehicle and marine cases. We invest directly into our team, in-house laboratories and industry research to always be on the cutting edge of fire science while delivering the results of your investigation needs in a timely and cost-effective manner.
No matter the origin, cause or complexity, our forensic experts are ready to investigate. We’re nationally and internationally certified fire investigators and have been members of the NFPA 921 Technical Committee of Fire and Explosion Investigation since its inception, serving on more than 30 codes and standards committees, including 15 committee chair positions. We’re supported by our deep expertise in fire sciences and investment in our in-house laboratories, industry research and engineering expertise
Fire Origin + Cause
Determining the origin and cause of a fire is the critical first step in most fire investigations. Our expertise in real-world cause and origin analysis encompasses comprehensive scene documentation, evidence collection, and detailed burn pattern assessment. By rigorously applying the scientific method, we collect and synthesize data, formulate hypotheses, and thoroughly test them to establish a well-substantiated area of origin and cause, grounded in case facts and fire science principles. Our in-depth analysis of fire dynamics, pattern formation, and damage assessment enables us to develop practical forensic tools for fire scene investigations, such as spill fire pattern interpretation and ignitable liquid residue sampling.
Battery Fires
Battery failures are a common culprit in fire investigations. As experts, we are uniquely positioned to determine the origin and cause of almost any battery-related fire. In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have become the dominant rechargeable battery chemistry for consumer electronics, thanks to their higher energy densities. We help you understand why lithium batteries fail and conduct detailed analyses of battery remains to pinpoint whether the battery was the source of the fire and identify the specific mechanism of battery failure.
Commercial Kitchen Fires
Fires in commercial cooking equipment are common, often resulting in costly business disruptions, lost revenue, and significant repair expenses. Our team of experts investigates the root cause, determining whether the fire stemmed from inadequate maintenance, improper operating procedures, manufacturing defects, or suppression system failures. This crucial information can make a difference in successfully receiving insurance payments or pursuing legal action.
Electrical Fires
Our electrical forensic analysis services investigate utility power, electrical distribution, appliances, electronics, and battery systems to determine the cause of failures. Fires in structures, vehicles, systems, or devices often involve the electrical components that powered or controlled their operation. We conduct testing and develop forensic methodologies to evaluate a range of electrical devices, including receptacles, low-voltage systems, and battery-related fires.
Vehicle Fires
The principles of fire dynamics are the same in vehicle fires as in structure fires, but various other factors make vehicle fire investigations unique and complex. Our research has been invaluable in determining the origin and cause of vehicle fires. As certified vehicle fire investigators (CVFI) through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), we can deploy anywhere in North America to assist with these complex investigations.
Wildland Fires
Wildland fires are extremely complex, large-scale phenomena that can occur under varying atmospheric conditions and with diverse root causes. Our team can help you identify the underlying contributors to wildland fires on your property and develop the best solutions to mitigate risks, such as impacts on business operations and daily activities. We will also investigate how a fire started, using high-tech drones to examine small and large-scale fires from both ground and aerial perspectives.
Fire Protection Materials Analysis
Fire protection equipment and materials must be properly designed, supplied, installed and maintained to prevent wear and tear or they run the risk of not performing with high efficacy in the event of a fire. We conduct various fire forensic investigations on protection materials to determine omissions, flaws, detachments or deterioration that may have led to or increased a loss.
Fire Alarm Systems Forensic Analysis
During a fire, a properly functioning fire alarm system is crucial. Malfunctioning life safety equipment can severely compromise safe evacuation time and even exacerbate property damage. Our team of seasoned engineers and technicians actively shape fire alarm system codes and standards by participating in and chairing numerous NFPA technical committees. They contribute research to the code development process and provide industry insights. Leveraging this extensive expertise, we can help you determine if a fire alarm system failure was a factor in the extent of any loss.
RELATED INSIGHTS + RESOURCES
Project Profiles
The Marshall Fire
Our experts provided a detailed post-fire forensics investigation to determine the origin and cause of the incident, and a wildfire risk assessment to evaluate building performance during the fire.
Blogs + Whitepapers
MEET OUR EXPERTS
BS, Metallurgical Engineering, Registered PE: CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, IL, Certified Fire Investigator, IAAI, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Certified Fire Investigation Instructor, , Private Investigator: WA
BS, Electrical Engineering, BS, Forest Resource Management, Registered PE: CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, TX, MT, AK, Certified Fire Investigator, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Licensed Private Investigator, Refinery Training Program
BS, Chemical Engineering, Registered PE: WA, Licensed Unarmed Private Investigator: WA, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, NAFI
Certified Fire Investigator, IAAI, Certified Fire + Explosion Investigator, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, Licensed Fire Investigator: AK, Licensed Private Investigator: MT, NV, OR, WA, Certified Hazardous Materials Technician, Certified Commercial Service, Repair + Refill Portable Fire, Certified State Emergency Medical (WA, AK), Certified State Trooper (AK), Certified Basic + Intermediate Police
BS in Electrical Engineering, Registered PE: AZ, MN, WA, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, OSHA, Certified Fire + Explosion Investigator (CFEI), Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator
MS, Business Administration, BS, Electrical Engineering, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Certified, Six Sigma Black Belt (VBSS), Lead Auditor, ISO 13485, 14001, 9001
Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Civil and Engineering, Structural Engineering, PE: TX, AR, CA, MI, MO, NM, LA, SE: CA
BS, Forest Resource Management, Post Graduate Research Assistant, Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Certified Fire Investigator, IAAI, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, Certified Fire Investigator Accreditation, Licensed Unarmed Private Investigator: AK, MT, WA, Certified Wildland Firefighter FFT2, 皇家88娱乐FS, Certified Firefighter I + II: WA
AAS, Allied Health, Private Investigator No. 23011577, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, FAA Certified Drone Pilot, IAAI-FIT (CFI), Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, Hazmat Operations (IFSAC), Firefighter 1 (IFSAC)
AAS, Fire Science, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
AAS in Fire Science Technology, Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), Certified Fire + Explosion Investigator (CFEI), Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI), Registered PI: NM, MT, WA, MI, Member, International Association of Arson Investigators, Member, National Association of Fire Investigators, Member, International Association of Arson Investigators
BS, Mechanical Engineering, MS, Fire Protection Engineering, PE
Network Engineering, Infrastructure and Security, Scanning Electron Microscopy
BS, Criminal Justice (Magna Cum Laude), AS, Criminal Justice (Summa Cum Laude), Chairman Meritorious Service Award, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, U.S. Army Knowlton Award
M.S., Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, B.S., Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (Magna Cum Laude), Licensed PE: MI, CA, WA, NV
BS, Geology and Chemistry, AA, Geology, Licensed Unarmed Private Investigator, state of WA, ALOA Registered Locksmith
BS, Electrical Engineering, AS, Engineering, Registered EIT: OK, Commercial Electronic Controls, Certified Fire + Explosion Investigator, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, HAZWOPER, Certified Asbestos Worker
BS, Electrical Engineering Technology, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
MS, Forensic Science, BS, Mechanical Engineering (Honours), Registered PE: WA, OR, ACTAR Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist, ASE Certified Automobile Technician, Certified Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Analyst, FAA Commercial Drone License
BS, Electrical Engineering, , Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
